A Federal High Court sitting in Kaduna has adjourned hearing on the bail application of former Nasir El-Rufai to March 31, 2026, after both the defence and prosecution presented arguments during Tuesday’s proceedings.
At the hearing, counsel to the former governor, Ukpon Akpan, urged the court to grant bail, maintaining that El-Rufai is entitled to his constitutional rights and should be allowed sufficient freedom to prepare for his defence.
Counsel for the prosecution opposed the request, arguing that the allegations before the court are serious and that granting bail at this stage could undermine ongoing investigations linked to the case.
El-Rufai was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of corruption, abuse of office, and financial misconduct said to have occurred during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State.
According to the Commission, the former governor appeared before the Federal High Court alongside Joel Adoga in a case filed under Suit No. FHC/KD/73/2026. The charges include alleged unlawful conversion and possession of public assets, as well as money laundering.
Security was significantly tightened across Kaduna ahead of the arraignment, with armed security personnel deployed around the court premises and strategic points within the city to maintain order as supporters, observers, and political stakeholders gathered outside the venue.
Journalists were, however, barred from entering the courtroom, limiting direct media access to the proceedings.
In a statement issued earlier, ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey, said the charges reflect the Commission’s ongoing commitment to accountability and the enforcement of anti-corruption laws.
The Commission further disclosed that a separate criminal case has also been filed against El-Rufai and Amadu Sule before the Kaduna State High Court in the Kaduna Judicial Division.
That case, marked KDH/KAD/ICPC/01/26, contains allegations including abuse of office, fraud, conspiracy, intent to commit fraud, and conferring undue advantage.
The ICPC stated that both matters were instituted on March 18, 2026, while the hearing date for the Kaduna State High Court case will be communicated in due course.
The anti-corruption agency also confirmed that the former governor has been formally served with all charges.
With the adjournment, focus now shifts to March 31, when the court is expected to decide on the bail application and set the tone for the next phase of one of Nigeria’s most closely watched legal proceedings.
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